At a moment when the country is changing governments and everyone is asking how it will turn out, Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 2) tells a story for those who feel powerless. Matthew shapes the narrative so that Jesus’ life traces Israel’s: flight into Egypt, a king murdering children, exile. And when the holy family is finally cleared to return, it still does not go home but settles in Nazareth, because back then your town of origin worked like a surname, and this was the surname of outcasts. Listen if you have ever pointed a finger at heaven and said: you have no idea what this feels like.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Matthew 2:13-23 Jesus goes down to Egypt and comes back, and Herod kills the boys of Bethlehem. What events from Israel's history does this story echo, and what is Matthew telling us about Jesus through it?
- Why might the fact that Jesus lived in Nazareth and was called a Nazarene have sounded embarrassing rather than honorable to the first readers?
- The speaker compared the incarnation to a little child going down a water slide, trusting that his dad will catch him. What does this picture tell you about Jesus' dependence on the Father and about your own?
- In what situations do you feel powerless in the face of the world, politics or injustice, and what would change if that powerlessness led you to the Father instead of to hopelessness?
- The sermon said we often look for significance in better schools, jobs or connections. Where do you look for validation of your worth, and what does it mean to you that Jesus came from a place that didn't matter?
- Have you ever pointed your finger at heaven and told God, you don't know how this feels? How could the truth that Jesus was dependent, unwanted and an outcast change the way you pray this week?
